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Andrew Ladd plays on third line as Barry Trotz keeps experimenting with bottom-six forwards

Andrew Ladd of the Islanders skates during the first period against the Blue Jackets at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Monday. Credit: Jim McIsaac

Left wing Andrew Ladd’s return to the Islanders’ lineup on Monday night against the Blue Jackets at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum was part of coach Barry Trotz’s latest attempt to coax more point production from his bottom-six forwards while finding the right combinations.

It’s an issue made difficult because Cal Clutterbuck (left wrist tendon surgery) missed his second game and is out indefinitely. Trotz has acknowledged the effectiveness of Casey Cizikas’ identity line that includes Clutterbuck and Matt Martin diminishes with any one of the three out.